Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Boston is 159% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$2,093/mo ↑ 121%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 55%
$94,755/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 42%
$710,400 ↑ 227%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 69%
$2,176/mo ↑ 123%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 55%
663,972
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,147/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $13,764/year.

Median household income is $39,579/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Las Cruces slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Boston or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1,147/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $39,579/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and New Mexico?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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